Are you tired of paying for expensive high tea? Break the monotony and enjoy an affordable version of the luxurious world of high tea from the comfort of your home! Hosting a high tea affair has never been easier, and I’m here to spill the tea and learn how to make it a resounding and affordable success.
This is a special experience between mothers and daughters, where they savour the tea and share in the experience. While the experience of high tea is memorable, it is often expensive and not as filling. Serving high tea at home can be affordable and just as rewarding. You can create a menu that suits your guests, increase the quantity of the portions, and pre-made desserts and enjoy a more relaxed setting. While the tradition of high tea is unique, there are some drawbacks.
You are not required to serve as many desserts, expensive cutlery or tea. As much as I love high tea, it is quite expensive and often not customizable. You will see the ratio of desserts greater than savoury options. If you have dietary restrictions or cannot eat alot of sugar it will be difficult to enjoy.
Disadvantages to going out for High-Tea:
Smaller Portions For Cost: While high tea may offer many beautiful treats in a beautiful setting, you often pay a premium for the labour, setting and service. The portion of food is much smaller and there are limited options. The portions of tea often do not match the price, leaving people feeling underwhelmed.
Overpriced/Hidden Fees: When you go for high tea, you are often charged an automatic gratuity of anywhere from 10-20%. There are extra charges for premium teas and special items. Some locations have a service charge 10-15%. Sometimes there is a corkage fee that gets charged if you open champagne or any liqour.
Non-Customizable Menus or Cancellations: These menus are often set and not customizable, there are no substitutes. High tea’s charm can come with limitations. The delightful spread is often pre-prepared, making customization tricky. Popular venues also mean limited seating and required reservations, sometimes with cancellation fees.
Menu Options Limited for Different Dietary Options: Most high tea places have a few menu options for vegans/vegetarians, but are limited in options and variety. If there are any allergies or specific dietary requirements, often there are not many options available.
Quite Formal and Impersonal : Often tea houses have one type of setting for high tea and its formal. If you are looking for a more relaxed setting this is not really offered.
Tips for Budget-Friendly – High-Tea at home
- DIY Decor: High tea is all about elegance, but you can do it on a budget. For the table setting, forget about a fancy table setting! Keep things light and easy with a simple white tablecloth and some dollar store finds like table mats and paper dolies. Any teacups will work, you do not require fine china. For a nice touch, can add a simple floral centrepiece. You can use a tiered cake plate or white serving plates. You can find affordable ones in a home store or Walmart. Take a look at some thrift store to find vintage teacups and saucers that add character to your table. You can find affordable alternatives to traditional teaware and can use mismatched teacups and saucers from discount retailers. You can also opt for simple mugs or tea cups.
- Good Array of Affordable Tea: Ditch the high tea markup! Stock up on affordable black and green teas like Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Jasmine, and Matcha from your local store. Present them on a platter for your guests to create their perfect cup.
- Budget-Friendly Bites of Decadent Delights: High tea is not complete without an array of delish and delectable treats. Impress your guests with a tiered stand that is filled with yummy finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of pastries and cakes. This is where you can get creative with flavours and textures.
- Savory Selections: If you have a preference for more savory options you can do opt for pate sandwiches, quiche, aranchi, spring rolls, wontons or smoked salmon.
- Potluck Option: You can set up a potluck-type high tea, where you guest bring their favourite savoury or desserts. They can bring their favourite homemade treats or store-bought treats to contribute to the spread.
- Create a Signature Cocktail: You can elevate your high tea experience with a tea-infused cocktail. You can make Earl Grey martinis, Chamomile vodka fizzes, hibiscus mojito or Jasmine tea spritzers that will surprise your guests. This is a creative and innovative spin on the high tea.
- Entertainment on a budget: You can keep your guests entertained with a touch of class, through music. You can play jazz, classical, vintage, chill out or instrumental music.
Do Not Compromise on the Scone!
The one area not to compromise on is the scone. You need a good scone with clotted cream and a good chutney or jam. This is the one tradition I would keep!! A good light and buttery scone is hard to beat. You can either make them from scratch or use store bought scone mix or buy fresh scones.
You can get creative with desserts or savoury items!
High tea is known for its tea sandwiches and variety of desserts. You can get creative with this menu and adjust it for your tastes. You do not have to go down the traditional route and can serve mini bites that are simple and delish.
- Good Brioche: great for sandwiches
- Puff pastry: great to pair with smoked salmon and cream cheese
- Precooked mini tarts: great to make desserts or meat pies
- Miniature Desserts: can be prebought from grocery store
- Single Serving Appy’s: you can create individual portions for each person
Healthy alternative to High tea
- Mini Salad cups
- Vietnamese cold spring rolls
- Sushi Rolls
- Low-carb bread- can be used when making tea sandwiches
- Soup shooters
- Cucumber topped with cream cheese and smoked salmon
- Skewers with tomatoes, basil, bocconcini and tomatoes
- Chicken salad on toast
- Mini Turkey Meatballs
